2

Multiple:
Tests that may be done include: blood culturect scan of the head sputum culture and stain lung biopsybronchoscopy spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (csf) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and other tests to check for signs of infection chest x-ray cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the cryptococcus fungus can shed.
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3

Meningitis:
The yeast cryptococcus entrees the body through the lungs but overt pneumonia is not usually found. Especially in those with an impaired immune system it can cause a meningitis.
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5

Brain, lungs:
Cryptococcus, a fungus, is present in the soil and you do not need to be in the fields to catch it, if you are immunosuppressed. If you do not have an immune disorder, you need not worry about restricting your wanderings.
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6

Fungus:
Stachybotrys is a genus of molds, or asexually-reproducing, filamentous fungi. Cryptococcus (latin for "hidden sphere") is a genus of fungus. These fungi grow in culture as yeasts.
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7

Like any fungus...:
...It grows where it finds food. If the scalp is irritated by an allergy or mechanical scraping, it may produce discharge on which the cryptococcus could feed and grow.
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8

Cryptococcus:
The organism is a yeast found in the environment (often linked to pigeon droppings) that can cause meningitis particularly in those with impaired immune systems such as organ transplant recipients and patients with untreated HIV infection.
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10

Cryptosporidiosis:
What you need to be concerned about is cyptosporidiosis, not cryptococcus. Both are present in the soil. Cryptococcus affects immunosuppresed individuals. Cryptosporidiosis can affect healthy people but, with infrequent exceptions, it is a mild flu like illness. Unless you have underlying illness, there is no need to be scared.
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11

Yes:
The fungus had previously affected only people with weakened immune systems. It is absorbed through the lungs and the symptoms of infection, which can appear two to several months after exposure, can include chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, fever and a cough lasting weeks.
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12

Yes:
The fungus had previously affected only people with weakened immune systems. It is absorbed through the lungs and the symptoms of infection, which can appear two to several months after exposure, can include chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, fever and a cough lasting weeks.
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15

Cryptococcus:
The usual species is C. neoformans. Encapsulated strains are diagnosed by detection of cryptococcal antigen in CSF, sputum and urine. Blood cultures may be positive. India ink of the CSF is a microscopic method of diagnosis. Diagnosis may be more difficult if infected with C. gatti or a non-encapsulated strain but this is very uncommon. False negative results are also rare.
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16

Mgt:
If you are chronically producing sputum, I would advise a CT scan and a lavage, including cytologies and cultures. Sputum samples may be useful but also may miss the diagnosis. Avoid all smoke and please discuss the possibility of bronchiectasis With your pulmonary specialist.
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19

Petri dish jargon:
This is the microbiologist's report on two single colonies of different fungi. One is a yeast form and one is a mould. Neither can be identified as to what 'species' it is, but it doesn't matter since these are what we call 'contaminants'. I suspect this was a 'sputum' sample? This occurs quite commonly in those specimens. If you're not feeling well, good to see the doc who ordered the test.
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